Pork Meatballs with a Cheesy Crumb Topping
Prep time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 30 mins
Easy
Serves:
4
Energy
2298kj
546kcal
Pork Meatball and Bean Pasta
Add to list
Try this tasty budget-friendly pork mince recipe using store cupboard staples that’s quick and packed with flavour.
Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
Serves: 4
Cooking Skill: Easy
Ingredients
500g
lean British pork mince (5% fat)
300g
dried wholewheat pasta shapes (we used fusilli)
2-3
teaspoons dried mixed herbs or oregano
1
teaspoon ground paprika
1
large brown onion, finely diced
3
teaspoons rapeseed oil
1
large carrot, finely diced
1-2
celery stalks, finely diced
4
garlic cloves, peeled and finely grated
1 x 400g
can chopped tomatoes
Large handful fresh basil or parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
50ml
semi-skimmed milk
1 x 400g
can beans of your choice, we used cannellini, drained and water reserved
To serve:
40g
grated parmesan or cheese of your choice
Salad leaves
Method
Step 1
Cook the pasta in boiling water according to the packet instructions, drain and set aside.
Step 2
Meanwhile, prepare the meatballs, in a large bowl combine the mince, mixed herbs, paprika and ¼ of the onion. Lightly season and gently mix to combine. Shape into 25 small meatballs, each approximately the size of a 10p coin.
Step 3
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large pan and cook the meatballs for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown all over. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 4
In the same pan, heat the remaining oil and cook the onion, carrot and celery over a low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5
Add the garlic, chopped tomatoes and half the basil or parsley, milk and reserved water from the can. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Step 6
Return the meatballs to the sauce with the drained beans and pasta. Heat until the meatballs are piping hot.
Step 7
Garnish with the remaining basil or parsley and cheese. Serve immediately with the salad leaves.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
If preferred, for an extra kick add ½ teaspoon dried chilli flakes to the sauce.
Each serving provides
Based on 5% fat lean pork mince
20%
Fat
9.0g
16%
Saturates
1.7g
13%
Sugars
11.9g
11%
Salt
0.33g
11%
% of an adult's Reference intake
Typical energy values per 100g:
365kJ,
89kcal,
1.5g fat,
0.3g saturates
If different cuts of meat are used, then the nutrition info may vary
Method
Step 1
Cook the pasta in boiling water according to the packet instructions, drain and set aside.
Step 2
Meanwhile, prepare the meatballs, in a large bowl combine the mince, mixed herbs, paprika and ¼ of the onion. Lightly season and gently mix to combine. Shape into 25 small meatballs, each approximately the size of a 10p coin.
Step 3
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large pan and cook the meatballs for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown all over. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 4
In the same pan, heat the remaining oil and cook the onion, carrot and celery over a low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5
Add the garlic, chopped tomatoes and half the basil or parsley, milk and reserved water from the can. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Step 6
Return the meatballs to the sauce with the drained beans and pasta. Heat until the meatballs are piping hot.
Step 7
Garnish with the remaining basil or parsley and cheese. Serve immediately with the salad leaves.
EXPLORE OUR RECIPE COLLECTIONS
Discover our collections of recipes for all occasions, seasons and your favourite pork cuts here.
Recipe collectionsDISCOVER PORK
View the range of versatile cuts and cooking techniques for delicious pork.
Discover PorkWHAT WE DO HERE AT LOVE PORK
Sharing quick & easy pork recipe inspiration & cooking advice.
What we do